Ecthyma gangrenosum

Background

• Necrotizing skin ulcers secondary to bacteremia in immunocompromised patients, traditionally caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Microbiology

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is by far the most common cause, and likely the only cause in immunocompetent patients1
• Other, rare causes include Aeromonas hydrophila, Fusarium solani, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Escherichia coli